Vegan Raw Cacao Milkshakes

I know some of you are still getting pounded by snow but we’re currently experiencing a drought here in California. I desperately miss the gorgeous blooms that should be popping up everywhere right about now but I must say that the tradeoff hasn’t been too tortuous. Seventy degrees, close to zero humidity and not a cloud in the sky? It’s kind of hard to complain.

But the bad thing about the sunny weather is that it makes me want to drop everything I’m doing and go hiking or sit outside and drink wine at a vineyard. It’s just too pretty to be inside!

Unfortunately there’s little time for play right now so instead I’m reminiscing with a milkshake that we had after a long hike at one of my favorite restaurants in Berkeley, Café Gratitude.

Brandon almost always orders a milkshake when we eat at vegan restaurants and I’m almost always happy to help him polish it off. Every kind we’ve tried has been delicious but there was one that really stuck out and I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind since. The ingredient list is actually fairly simple; almond milk, dates, vanilla bean and raw cacao powder.

I’ve never bought raw cacao powder before and it turns out that it is a bit on the pricey side but trust me when I say that it makes for an incredible milkshake…or smoothie, whatever you want to call it.

The pure chocolate flavor paired with natural sweetness from dates and a touch of creaminess from almond milk…in the words of Juan Pablo…ay, yai yai.

I’m sorry, I can’t help it. Two episodes in one week! It’s taking over my brain.

For those of you that don’t watch that show, I won’t torture you with my blabbing but if you do, can you believe what happened withAndie?! Then the scenes from the finale? Oh, the drama. I”m already trying to figure out who the next bachelorette will be.

Anyway, I know a milkshake might seem ill-fitting for this time of year but even if you save the recipe for later, I highly recommend giving this vegan version a try. It’s sure to satisfy your craving!

Ohhh my ok these look delicious, but almost more importantly–I NEED to catch up on the Bachelor!! Must watch it tonight ahhhh. I’ve been trying to decide on who the next Bachelorette is going to be for awhile now and I seriously don’t know.

So just have to put it out there….I might be crashing on your couch soon. I’m so freakin jealous of your weather right now. Currently, it feels like -24 (-11) outside. Winter, please go away.
But on a happier note, the milkshake looks awesome! I’ve never tried a vegan one, but I’m definitely intrigued.

this is my kind of smoothie! I’ve been putting raw cacao in my morning shakes a lot recently and love it.

Chocolate and dates are pretty much a match made in heaven… And you know what’s crazy? It’s been absolutely FREEZING here over the past couple of weeks, but I’ve been craving smoothies like nobody’s business… which probably just means that I need to move down to Cali :lol:

This looks amazing! Despite the cold weather here I was actually just thinking about how good a milkshake sounds. We’re supposed to get a nice little warm-up on Sunday. This time of year we get “teaser days,” where it feels awesome for one day before going back to miserable.

I’m all about using raw cacao powder in smoothies! Love, love, love it! I think it tastes waaaaay better than most cocoa powders…dunno why. Love this smoothie!! <3

These look delicious, but I am not sure what raw cocoa powder is. Would dutch-process cocoa powder work instead?

Raw cacoa powder is basically the less processed version of cocoa. It’s made by cold-pressing unroasted cocoa beans which is thought to preserve the living enzymes. Cocoa powder is made from roasted beans which is thought to lower the nutritional value somewhat. Keyword being thought. :)
Other than that, they are basically the same thing so yes, you can use unsweetened cocoa powder instead of raw cacao powder.

Ay yai yai is RIGHT! This looks and sounds so good – and with really minimal ingredients. Not to mess with perfection, but I’m sure I could get away with adding some spinach to it to get in some greens!
You are SUPER lucky to be enjoying that weather. It’s neurotic weather all over the country right now -whether it’s a drought for you or ice/snow for the east coast, mother nature is on a rampage right now. YIKES.

A 1/4 or 1/2 of an avocado here would take this from an ice milky milkshake to the real freaking deal.

Oh, that sounds like a great suggestion! Thanks. :)

These are the prettiest milkshakes I’ve ever seen. I bet they’re bringing all the boys to your blog ;) And I’ll gladly send some snow your way… It’ll feed the trees and give you lots of pretty blossoms, I promise!

My milkshake brings all the boys to the blog! ;)

I almost had a heart attack last night when I turned on the TV and our DVR had an error and failed to record the fantasy suites episode! Ahh! It was right at the part where Andi is talking to him, so I did see that, but seriously… what a time for the DVR to malfunction!
Anyway, these milkshakes look amazing, and we are right there with you on the heat wave. This morning I couldn’t help thinking that I wish I had the day off to hike instead of going in to work! I may have to spring for the raw cacao powder (never tried it before!) to make these!

I would have been so pissed! But you didn’t miss much. It’s always the same thing. Every one of them makes out with him, says I love you in some awkward way, and then the door “mysteriously” closes. It’s so predictable! But I love that Andi called him out like that. She had valid points. I think the last two are just competing with each other at this point.

Holy cow I caught up on The Bachelor today and that was amazing what happened with Andie. I kind of would want her to be the bachelorette as I don’t really care for Claire or the other one (gone blank on her name).

This milkshake looks delicious by the way. Love those pretty straws you used :)

I agree! Andi would make a great bachelorette! The other two are just competing for who’s prettier.

These milkshakes look ABSOLUTELY mouthwatering! Gorgeous photography!

Love this post. For one, I’m SO jealous you’re in California, it’s currently 20 degrees where I’m at. UGH. Two, I’m totally into the bachelor, and the whole Andie thing was crazy, I mean, I feel like she just totally did a 180. I’ve never really liked the guy much to be honest. I’m rooting for Claire to win, although, I think him and Nikki might be a better match, she just rubs me the wrong way.
Three, these smoothies look SO good, I’ve got to invest in some of that cacao powder!

well this just looks absolutely creamy, decadent, and delicious! and it’s so healthy!

I’ve never used raw cacao powder before, but I’m seriously considering after looking at these milkshakes! haha I’m a sucker for anything labeled milkshake : ) And with vanilla beans involved… it looks awesome!

I have to get my hands on some raw cacao powder asap – it makes this milkshake look incredible. How luscious, I’m in love!
Have a lovely weekend dear! xxxx

I am a huge smoothie fan and have been drinking them throughout the winter regardless of the freezing cold (though not as frequently as in summer). But I feel like “warm” ingredients like dates and cacao make smoothies in winter a little more attractive :)

This was pretty good. I added protein.

I just made this milkshake and I must say it is perfection! I had a taste for something good and this hit the spot. I cut the recipe in half and the results were fantastic! I had to use a few more ice cubes (I used a Vitamix so maybe that was it?) Thanks again!!